The Top 5 Solutions for Texting and Driving

Distractions behind the wheel are a complicated problem, but there are plenty of solutions to texting and driving specifically. Texting is one of the most dangerous and common types of distracted driving, and it’s one you can avoid by planning ahead with a solution. But where do you start?

We’ve compiled a list of solutions to the problem of texting and driving, along with the relative comparisons of pros and cons. In order to compare, you must first fully understand what the underlying the problem is and how these solutions address it.

The Top 5 Solutions to Stop Texting and Driving

1. Put your phone away while driving.

Putting your phone on mute or turning your phone off entirely is a sure-fire way you to avoid being distracted by it while you’re driving. Of all the solutions to texting and driving, this one requires the most pre-meditated effort.

Effectiveness: Very High (when in use)



Top Pro: Promotes driving mindfulness.



 

Top Con: You can’t use your phone for other useful driving functions like navigation.


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2. Use an app to assist.

Let technology help fix the problem it has created. There are many apps available to help reduce distracted driving (our favorite, of course is TextNinja!). Read more about Apple’s “do not disturb while driving” mode for iOS 11, or check out how some of these apps compare.

Effectiveness: Very High

Pro: Removes the temptation to look.

 

Pro: Sends auto-replies while you drive.

 

Pro: Helps break the habit of texting and driving.



Con: iOS limits what apps can do with messages.


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3. Let someone else do the texting.

The vast majority of people agree and acknowledge that the driver should not be texting. If there are other people in the car and you really need to send a message, passengers are usually happy to read and write the text for you.

Effectiveness: High



Top Pro: Helps promote awareness.




Top Con: Doesn’t work when you’re by yourself.


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4. Form an agreement or pledge.

Parents of teenagers can write and sign a driving agreement or safe-driving pledge. Check out the family resources page for new drivers.

Effectiveness: Moderate (for families)



Top Pro: Helps to establish safe driving habits.




Top Con: Only works for a limited audience.


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5. Wear reminders or put an X on your thumbs.

Use physical reminders such as texting thumb bands, or draw an X on your thumbs. This is an in-your-face reminder to pay attention to the road.

Effectiveness: Low



Top Pro: Promotes social awareness on the issue.




Top Con: Doesn’t actually prevent texting and driving.


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The Problem of Texting and Driving


Our research has shown that the root cause of texting and driving is a habit driven by the Fear of Missing Out (aka “FOMO”). After years of responding to the “ding” notifications of our phones, and receiving small rewards in the form of information, we’ve put our minds into an automatic loop. These habit loops are nearly impossible to break, but can be overwritten by wiring a new, safer habit.

Do you know someone who is trapped in the habit?

Challenge them to start breaking the habit with a personally sponsored reward.
 

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